You could also file this under “timing is everything.” A couple minutes sooner I might have seen different action. A couple minutes later and I wouldn’t have known any of this.
I walked past the skinny tree and took this first picture of the GBH standing on the nest. The lighting wasn’t great, but if you peek through the lower branches you can make out a second heron standing on a lower level. It was almost closing time so I moved along.
Great Blue Heron on Nest in the Skinny Tree
Not two minutes later a loud ruckus was happening. I turned back to see that the mate had returned to the nest and took issue with the GBH below.
Great Blue Heron Kerfuffle in the Skinny Tree
A lot of posturing and wing flapping went on.
Great Blue Heron Kerfuffle in the Skinny Tree
Eventually the lower GBH flew off, leaving the pair to have a moment, territory crisis averted.
Great Blue Heron Pair on Nest in the Skinny Tree
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
January 26, 2024
This Little Blue Heron has just a few remnants of his juvenile white feathers. By next year’s breeding season he’ll be a full adult and completely blue.
Little Blue Heron
He seemed to have something to say, and I was expecting him to fly.
Little Blue Heron
What?
Little Blue Heron
I have no idea what caught his eye, but he did not fly.
Little Blue Heron
He did, however, give the sky a good look.
Little Blue Heron
Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, Charleston, SC
August 20, 2023
These images were taken on a dull, grey morning, not the best light for far off action photos. But it was interesting, especially the Great Blue Heron’s behavior as I thought they were done nesting. He was defending his spot as if their were eggs or small chicks there.
Great Blue Heron Defending His TurfGreat Blue Heron Defending His TurfGreat Blue Heron Defending His Turf
Great Blue Heron Defending His TurfGreat Blue Heron Defending His Turf
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023
These images were taken on a dull, grey morning, not the best light for far off action photos. But it was interesting, especially the Great Blue Heron’s behavior as I thought they were done nesting. He was defending his spot as if their were eggs or small chicks there.
This Great Egret tried landing at the top of this tree, but was quickly got the vibe that he should move on from the other occupants.
Great Egret Leaping From Tree
No worries, just drop down to the next level…
Great Egret Leaping From Tree
Here’s a spot…
Great Egret Breaks On
He wasn’t welcome here, either, as the Great Blue Heron was facing off with a pair of Great Egrets to the right.
Great Egret Into Kerfuffle
Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC
June 16, 2023
